OAN Staff Addie Davis
6:13 AM – Tuesday, May 26, 2026
United States forces conducted “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
In a statement provided to media outlets, CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the Monday strikes were carried out “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.”
Hawkins explained that the targets included missile launch sites as well as Iranian boats that were attempting to place mines.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to establish a permanent peace deal. Notably, the president had posted to social media on Monday and framed the talks in a positive light, saying they are “proceeding nicely.”
A fragile ceasefire has held between the two countries since early April, though some hostilities have taken place since then.
“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” Hawkins said.
On February 28th, the U.S., in partnership with Israel, launched strikes against Iran, denoting the advent of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic Republic. Since the onset of hostilities the Strait of Hormuz has been virtually closed, the threat of mines and attacks from Iranian forces deterring transit through it. The administration of the waterway appears to be a key sticking point in negotiations.
U.S. naval forces have implemented a blockade on Iranian ports, dealing a significant economic blow to the Middle Eastern nation.
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